Codeine Patient Guide
This information is for you to use when taking codeine. Codeine is mostly used for pain relief but can also be used for cough and diarrhea. Codeine can cause serious side effects, so it is important you know how to take it safely. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist (chemist) or nurse if you have any questions.
CODEINE CAN BE HARMFUL
Extra care is needed when taking codeine, it is similar to morphine and can be addictive
Ask your doctor how long you should be taking codeine for, it should only be taken for a day or two
Stop taking codeine if your symptoms have been relieved
Always store codeine out of reach and out of sight of children
Let your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) know immediately if you:
• Have problems breathing or are feeling very drowsy
• Have an accident with a head injury
• Are worried that you may have taken too many tablets, or if you think you have been given too many tablets
Tell your doctor and pharmacist (chemist) about all of the medicines you are taking
• Codeine can be harmful when taken with some other medicines, especially other types of pain relief
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check other medicines you are taking – they may have codeine in them too
ALCOHOL and codeine
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking codeine
PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING
• Codeine is generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not take any more than your doctor has asked you to
• High doses can be harmful, talk to your doctor if you think it is not working
• If you have any tablets left over, return them to your pharmacy for safe disposal